Govt takes over British-led Helmand PRT

LASHKARGAH (PAN) in southern Helmand province on Monday formally handed over all its affairs to the Afghan government.

A ceremony in this regard in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, was attended by British military personnel and Afghan officials.

Belinda Lewis, head of mission for the PRT, told the ceremony the team’s affairs and building had formally been transferred to the local authorities, but some of its mentors would remain until March.

From now on, she said, their overall aid would be spent through the Afghan government. “Our support toward Afghanistan will continue. In Helmand alone, $180 million will be spent on strengthening Afghan forces and executing reconstruction projects.”

The PRT’s building, comprising a health clinic, four power generators and oil enough for a year consumption, were transferred to the 215th Maiwand Military Corps, she said.

Meanwhile, Governor Mohammad Naeem thanked the UK for its valuable assistance to Afghanistan through the PRT, hoping for the assistance to continue.

Created in 2006, the PRT was initially run by American troops before they were replaced by British soldiers.